GLENDALE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO 2015.PDF

Last updated: 06/09/2015
Page 1
General information
Organization Glendale Union High School District
Contact First name Kim
Contact Last name Mesquita
Contact e-mail <a
href="mailto:kim.mesquita@guhsdaz.org">kim.mesquita@guhsdaz.org
</a>
Contact phone number 6234356001
Address
Street 7650 N 43rd Ave
City Glendale
State Arizona
ZIP Code 85301
From what tribe is the organization requesting the grant?
Tohono O’odham Nation
Total grant amount request
50,000
The Gila River Indian Community offers multi-year awards. If your organization is requesting a multi-year grant for this
project or program from the Gila River Indian Community, enter the amount to be requested each year.
Amount
Year 1 (Gila River Indian Community Only) 50,000
Year 2 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 3 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 4 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 5 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
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INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
District Director 1100 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75242
Person to Contact: NELLIE L. RINGER
EP/EC Correspondence Examiner
GLENDALE UNION HIGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT Telephone Number:
7650 NORTH 43" AVENUE 214 -767 -6513
GLENDALE, AZ 85301
Refer Reply. to:
EP/EO:SPB:450DAL
Date: DECEMBER 16, 1992
Dear Sir or Madam:
Instrumentalities of a political subdivision are exempt under section 115 of
the Internal Revenue Code and are not required to file Federal Income Tax
Return Form 1120, nor Information Return Form 990. Contributions to such
organizations are deductible by donors, as provided in section 170 of the
Internal Revenue Code. Bequests, legacies, devices, transfers of gifts to
or for their use are deductible for Federal, estate and gift tax purposes
under the provisions of sections 2055, 2106, and 2522 of the Code.
These organizations are not liable for tax imposed under. the Federal
Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security Taxes). They may, however,
obtain Social Security coverage for employees through the State or
Department of Public Welfare. Such organizations are required to withhold
income tax from wages paid to their employees and make remittances thereof
to Internal Revenue Service.
If we may be of further assistance, please contact the person whose name and
telephone number are shown at the beginning of this letter.
Sincerely yours,
c7y p
NELLIE L. RINGER
EP/EC Correspondence Examiner

PSAT Assistance Grant
“Making the First Step to Higher Education Affordable for all Sophomores”
in the Glendale Union High School District
To: Chairman Ned Norris Jr.
Tohono O’odham Nation
P.O. Box 837
Sells, AZ 85634
ATTN: Lanez Valisto
From: Glendale Union High School District
Attention: Kim Mesquita, Administrator of Community Relations
7650 N 43rd Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301
June 9, 2015
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To Whom It May Concern:
Below is an application for $50,000 to fund a program at Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) to assist and
encourage all sophomores to take the Preliminary Scholastic Apptitude Test (PSAT) and provide affordable preparation
classes to improve scores and better enable students to perform well on future tests that bring about opportunities and
funds to go onto higher education. Funds will offset costs and provide scholarships to underprivileged students who
would otherwise not be able to participate in testing or preparation classes.
a) Description of Proposed Program: Glendale Union High School District seeks to make PSAT testing available to all
sophomore students in the district regardless of income. Additionally, the District has invested in training a number of
teachers at each school in the district to prepare students for the exams with twelve hours of preparation classes. The
District seeks to offset the costs of these classes and offer scholarships to students in need, which is currently at 62%
free and reduced lunches.
b) Meeting Tohono O’odham’s Funding Priorities: Primarily education. The PSAT exams open many doors to higher
education, including: millions of dollars in scholarships and grants; identifies students that may qualify for the National
Merit Scholarship; and AP classes and testing which can reduce the costs of higher education by thousands of dollars.
Additional impacts the PSAT exam may include: identifying talent early in high school so that learning plans can be
adjusted and suited to the needs of each student; showing students incorrect answers and assisting with correct
answers for further learning; high test scores often encourage and empower students to perform better and many will
strive to achieve more as a result of testing; students have an opportunity to a preliminary test prior to the SAT and ACT
exams that are similar and are viewed as part of required admittance into colleges. All of these educational benefits also
lead to improved economies, community development and the overall well being of Arizonans and their families.
c) Previous Funding Received: This is a new proposal and program for Glendale Union High School District
d) Statement of Need: Obtaining a college education has proven to be the first step out of poverty and increases income
for college graduates by 74% or nearly $1 million over their careers on average. (Carnevale et al., 2011). The lack of
access to Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test - PSAT for any student in the Glendale Union High School District in
Arizona is unacceptable, but with 62% of all students on free or reduced lunch, nearly half of those students do not have
the resources to pay the fee for the classes to prepare for the test. In 2014, out of 2,500 sophomores, approximately 700
did not take the exam. (Capistran, 2015). With higher education being the single most important opportunity for under-
priveleged students to look forward to more properous futures, not just for them, but for communities and their local
economies, it is essential that leaders and the community make sure all students in high school take advantage of
opportunities available to them, regardless of their financial status. Some states, including Georgia offer free testing for
the PSAT to all sophomores because the return on investment is substantial and positive by helping to identify needs
and may identify students who otherwise might not have been noticed as excelling in specific areas. (Woods, 2014).
Over the past seven years, schools in Arizona have been challenged by financial constraints due to budget cuts by the
state and local governments which has reduced their ability to offer additional optional instruction or cover the fees for
PSAT testing. The lack of funding is felt even more so by schools in limited income areas. With budgetary restrictions, it
has become necessary to seek outside funding to provide students with the opportunities so important to their futures.
The overall goal of this program is to increase the percentage of graduates enrolling in higher education within GUHSD
by at least 10% by the end of the 2017/18 school year. Objectives are as follows:
 Increase the number of high school sophomores taking the PSAT exam by at least 10% in the 2015/16 school year
 At least 70% of all low income students will participate in the special after school preparation classes taught by
specially trained teachers for 12 hours of classroom instruction prior to taking the PSAT exam
 GUHSD will increase average scores for sophomores by at least 10% from previous year’s scores in the district
 Students will develop a study group at each school to study and take practice PSAT, SAT and ACT tests
 The GUHSD seeks to increase the average number of underprivileged students admittance and enrollment in
higher education by at least 10 % in the graduating class of 2018
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TIMELINE FOR ACTIVITIES:
Time Activity Person Responsible
Week 1 (the week All principals will choose a program manager in their administrative office to Principals and all trained
prior to the start accompany them to a meeting with the superintendent and trained teachers teachers for preparation
of the 2015/2016 whom will teach preparation classes to discuss and train on the goal, classes at each school in the
school year) objectives and procedural timeline. district and the GUHSD
Superintendent.
Week 2 (first A letter will be sent to all parents/guardians of sophomores announcing the Superintendent’s secretary
week of classes) PSAT exam paid for by grant and encouraging that all students take the in coordination with
exam along with a description of the benefits. A registration form for the test principals and program
and an application for the preparation classes will be included followed by manager at each school in
an email. For all students on free and reduced lunches, an assistance the district.
request form will be sent with application to be submitted by the 2nd week.
All teachers of sophomore students will be notified and asked to support the
effort.
Week 2 Principals at all GUHSD
Principals will go to each sophomore classroom and announce the PSAT schools with the program
grant and strongly encourage all sophomores to take the exam and the manager and all teachers of
preparation classes. Trained teachers will coordinate with principals and sophomore student core
program managers to register and schedule students and order the books classes.
and supplies.
Week 2-3 The principal and program manager will meet to determine scholarship Program manager at each
assistance awarded for the applications received and parents will be school and trained teachers
notified. Payments for classes will be collected by the Program Manager as who will teach classes.
billed for each student taking the class.
Week 2-8 PSAT preparation classes begin and continue through the week of the test. Trained Teacher assigned to
(See attached spreadsheet). teach the classes
Week 2-40 Interested students may join and begin a PSAT study group and choose Students in coordination with
designated times and designated areas to work together, quiz one another program manager
and take practice tests.
Week 9 PSAT Exam taken by all registered students Test Administrator
Week 17 PSAT test results received and superintendant will meet with Preparation Superintendant and
class teachers and administrative assistants to go over results and discuss Preparation class
plan moving forward. teachers
Week 18-22 Trained teachers will assess answers on exams, meeting with students to Trained teachers and
identify where they need additional help and go over the answers they students.
answered incorrectly. Correct answers will be discussed for clarification.
Each student will have an opportunity to discuss their scores and build a
strategy to improve next year.
Week 30 The Program Specialist at GUHSD will complete a final evaluation of the Program Evaluator
program and report will be submitted to Superintendant for review and
discussion with principals, teachers and program managers involved in the
program. A final evaluation report will be submitted to the Tohono O’odham
Nation Council Secretary.
In closing, the GUHSD strives to provide the best possible opportunities for all students’ at all economic levels and afford all
students the ability to aim high and achieve their highest potential. As educators, we look at all tools to prepare students and
secure the best possible outcomes. We believe offering assistance to students, especially those in need, is an excellent return
on investment for our partners and our entire community.
We appreciate the Tohono O’odham Nation for their annual contribution process and their kind consideration in funding this
proposed program and for valuing our students, their parents and the entire Arizona family of communities in assuring our
children have opportunities to achieve their educational and career goals. Thank you.
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Budget:
Glendale Union High School District seeks $50,000 to offset costs for scholastic preparation classes by teachers who have been
specially trained and cover test fees for all students. With a total budget of $50,000; $35,000 will be dedicated to cover test fees
and $14,000 will be set aside to offer scholarships to underpriveleged students to cover the class, textbooks and all materials.
Sustainability (Future Funding Plan):
GUHSD will continue to seek additional future grant funding to continue the PSAT preparation classes and offer free testing to all
sophomore students. Additionally, parents and community members will be encouraged to generously donate a sponsorship of a
student in need if they are able.
Appendix:
 Application form for PSAT exam
 Application form for Preparation Class
 Application for scholarship assistance for students on free and reduced lunch
 Spreadsheet of scheduled PSAT Preparation classes.
Sources:
Carnevale, A. P., Rose, S. J., & Cheah, B. (2011). The college payoff: Education, occupations, lifetime earnings. Washington,
DC: Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University. Retrieved from
http://knowledgecenter.completionbydesign.org/resource/413.
Capistran, Brian, Associate Superintendent (February, 2015). Glendale Union High School District. Interview on PSAT
Program.
Woods, Richard, C:\Users\011733\AppData\Local\Temp\notes4FF30D\Georgia's School Superintendant, Georgia’s School
Superintendent, 2014. http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculum-and-Instruction/Pages/PSAT-
Information-for-School-.aspx.
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Registration for PSAT Testing
Sophomore Students in the Glendale Union High School District
Dear Parents and Students;
Each year, the College Board offers the Preliminary Scholastic Apptitude Test – PSAT to high school students. This exam is a
pre-test to the Scholastic Apptitude Test – SAT required by most universities and colleges and can determine acceptance and
scholarship decisions. The PSAT also identifies students’ strengths and areas of challenge to better plan their educational goals
in high school. GUHSD is offering all sophomore students the opportunity to take this exam for free through the generous grant
provided by the Tohono O’odham Nation Council.
While the PSAT exam does not ensure admission into college, it is a great opportunity to practice early for the PSAT exam given
in their junior year, which can result in a National Merit Scholarship. The scholarship offers thousands of dollars in scholarship
money and puts students on the radar for thousands of colleges and universities. The PSAT also provides schools a glimpse
into student’s talents and provides not just the scores of the exam, but provides questions answered incorrectly as well as the
correct answers. If a student scores high in a certain area, they may be recommended for Advanced Placement classes and
exams which can better prepare students for the rigors of college and also may offer them credits for college while still in high
school.
Importantly, PSAT exams offer students the opportunity to become prepared for more important testing in the future and studies
have shown that scores usually improve with each subsequent test. Please complete the following form with the agreement that
the student will be able to get to the testing site and take the exam. The exam site will be announced at a later date and will be
held on October 14, 2015. If you need assistance in getting your child to the test site on this date or have any questions, please
contact the PSAT program manager at your school’s administrative office. It is important that students arrive at the test site on
time, well rested and ready to take the exam.
Name of Student:________________________________________________________________________
Name of Parent:__________________________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________
Phone:________________________________Email address (parent)________________________________
School:__________________________________________________________________________________
I understand that test fees will be pre-paid and that I will assure that my child will take the exam at the designated test site on
October 14, 2015.
X______________________________________ X________________________________________
Parent Signature Student Signature
Date______________________________________________
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Registration for Preparation Classes for PSAT Exam
Dear Parents and Students:
For students taking the PSAT exam, it is highly recommended that you attend preparation classes. The Glendale Union High
School District has invested in training several teachers in each school whom have attended intensive training on teaching a
preparation class for the PSAT class. Included in the class is a textbook, materials and numerous practice tests which will
prepare students for the exam. There is a nominal fee for each student of only $100, including books and all materials.
We are also asking any parents who have the ability to consider sponsoring another student or contribute a small amount to
assist an underpriveleged child, so that they can prepare for the exam as well. GUHSD would like to make sure every student
who wants to take this class is able to, regardless of financial ability. Your donation will be tax deductible and help a child have
the same opportunity as his/her peers. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Please sign this form to register your child for these classes which will amount to a total of 12 hours in class. The classes will
take place at varied times, including some on Saturdays. Transportation will be your responsibility. Please communicate with
your child about other students nearby that you may be able to carpool with. We suggest and strongly encourage that your child
attend all classes offered as they are a continuation of the prior class and all are necessary to gain the full benefit. Additionally,
we will be taking practice tests in these classes in order to help students become familiar with all apptitude tests given over the
next several years (PSAT, SAT and ACT). Thank you for helping your child getting the best possible preparation for their PSAT.
I have read the information above and understand that there are 12 hours of classes to complete the preparation course for the
PSAT exam. I understand that classes are not part of their normal classes and will be held outside of those hours. Additionally, I
understand that I must arrange for transportation for my child to get to the classes offered.
X_________________________________________ X___________________________________________
Parent Signature Student Signature
Date:______________________________________
School student attends?_____________________________________________________________________
Amount enclosed: _______________________(Non-refundable for missed classes)
Donation amount if any:_______________________________________________
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Assistance Request for PSAT Preparation Class
Because we understand that the $100 fee for the PSAT class may be difficult for families living on limited incomes, we are
offering the opportunity to apply for assistance. GUHSD has received a grant that allows us to pay for all tests for sophomores,
but also a portion of that grant will also be used to offset costs for families on free and reduced lunches. We are also
encouraging those who are able to contribute towards helping other students in taking the test. The minimum all students must
pay is $25 to offset cost of books and materials which they will keep. We do not have sufficient funding to pay all of the fees for
all students who may need the assistance, but we will determine the level based on several factors, thus please indicate how
much assistance you need and how this assistance will help you. The program manager will accept applications for assistance
until September 2, 2015 and will then in coordination with administration, determine the amount of assistance for each student
based on how many requests received and how much each student needs in order to take the test. Please indicate below how
much you are requesting and whether you are on free or reduced lunch. If you are not on those programs, but still need help,
please indicate your current situation that necessitates assistance. Thank you.
I understand that I must pay the first $25 of the class preparation for the PSAT exam. I understand that GUHSD is paying the
test fee for my student. I certify that I qualify and my child receives either free or reduced lunches or my family has recently
suffered a difficult financial setback for which I will describe below. I understand that this assistance is limited and will be based
on amount available and the number of students who apply.
I have paid my minimum $25 fee for preparation classes for the PSAT exam; Initial___________
I need the following amount for my child to be able to take the preparation classes for PSAT: $____________
I understand that if I do not receive the assistance I have requested, my $25 payment will be returned if notified of inability to pay
before classes begin. For students who receive assistance, but do not attend classes, the $25 fee will not be refundable.
X_____________________________________________X_________________________________________
Parent Student
Date:_________________________________________________
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SAT/PSAT PREP SCHEDULES
ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS AND DATES TO BE ADDED
September Sep - Oct
(Monday -
1-6 8-13 15-20 22-27 29-4
Saturday)
20th: 27th:
13th:
Apollo Carole Bridget (Adrienne
Niya and Beth
(Zach observing) observing)
3rd - 5th: 17th:
2:45 - 3:45 pm 10th - 12th: 2:45 - 3:45 pm 24th: 4th:
Greenway
6th: 2:45 - 3:45 pm 20th: 2:45 - 3:45 pm 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
1:00 - 4:00 pm 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Moon Valley 8th & 10th: 2:45 - 3:45 15th & 17th: 2:45 - 3:45 22nd & 24th: 2:45-3:45 1st & 3rd: 2:45 -3:45
26th: 29th, 2nd:
Pandy Linnartz, Tracy Pandy Linnartz, Tracy
Sunnyslope
Robinson / Rm 803 Robinson / Rm 803
3:30 - 7:30 pm 3:30 - 7:30 pm
October Oct - Nov
(Monday -
6-11 13-18 20-25 27-2
Saturday)
7th, 8th, 9th:
Laurie Barden, Zachary
Cortez
Neilson / Rm 250
9am-12pm
6th, 7th, 8th:
Sarah Stahlbush, Josh
Cunningham / Rm 407 18th: 20th, 21st:
12:00 - 3:00 pm Sheila Novak, Michelle Sheila Novak, Michelle
Sunnyslope
6th, 7th, 8th: Olshan / Rm 1124 Olshan / Rm 1124
Michelle Olshan, Patty 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jimenez / Rm 502
8:00 - 11:00 am
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